A Gothic Elopement in Washington DC | Black Wedding Dress & Cherry Blossoms
A gothic elopement in Washington DC during cherry blossom season might not be the most traditional vision of spring, and that’s EXACTLY what made Olivia & Heath’s day that much more extraordinary!
Soft pink blooms and marble architecture beautifully juxtaposed with black wedding attire and moody skies. Their elopement was a reminder that spring doesn’t have to look light or pastel. It can be dark, bold, and unapologetically you in every way.
Olivia and Heath live in eastern Tennessee, but Washington DC holds a special place in their relationship. It was their first trip together as a couple and the city where they said “I love you” for the first time. One of the things I love most about elopements is that you are never limited by where you live. You can choose a location that feels meaningful to your story, even if it is states away.
Come and see more from their gothic cherry blossom elopement day in DC and get inspired for how your day could look like, as well!
Their Love Story and Why They Chose to Elope
Olivia and Heath met on Tinder, not looking for anything serious. However, the more they saw each other, they realized that those hangouts turned into one of those connections you don’t plan for and can’t ignore.
Their proposal was just as unexpected and unique. While looking through my portfolio and getting ready to book their photographer, Olivia mentioned it felt a little strange to book before officially being engaged. Heath proposed right there and then.
Olivia and Heath chose to elope because “so much of our lives revolve around other people and our kids.” Like many couples, they realized how easy it is to forget to make time for each other. So their elopement was an absolutely perfect day just for them.
Sunrise Getting Ready + Intentional Gothic Elopement Details
Since this was a sunrise-centered elopement, their day began early at the hotel with getting ready photos and personal details.
Olivia and Heath helped each other get ready, which created such a natural, intimate start to the day. Before leaving the hotel, they poured mimosas to warm up and enjoy a quiet moment together ahead of an adventurous day.
I absolutely LOVE that Olivia chose to wear a black wedding dress! It definitely helped setting the tone for the entire elopement. Some of my favorite details of their gothic elopement were Olivia’s black cherry blossom earrings, runes etched into Heath’s ring, and Olivia’s back tattoo featuring birth flowers of her, Heath, and their children.
One of the first things they mentioned when they reached out was wanting matching “’Til Death” tattoos on their elopement day. While they ultimately decided to design and get larger, more meaningful tattoos together back home in Tennessee, it’s such a beautiful example of how couples can personalize their elopement in ways that matter to them!
If getting tattoos on your elopement day is something you are dreaming about, we can absolutely plan for it! Elopements leave room for ideas that often do not fit into a traditional wedding timeline.
Sunrise at the Tidal Basin During Peak Cherry Blossoms
We took an Uber to the Tidal Basin just after sunrise and had what felt like the entire area to ourselves. Sunrise is always the best time for cherry blossom photos in DC, especially on weekdays, because people do get up early on the weekends to enjoy the blossoms.
The combination of being there so early for sunrise, colder temps, and rainy weather kept the crowds away and gave us so much freedom to explore. We got tons of great photos around the Tidal Basin and with all the beautiful Cherry Blossoms.
A Rainy Elopement Ceremony at the Smithsonian Castle
Our next stop was the Enid A. Haupt Garden at the Smithsonian Castle. As the rain picked up just before the ceremony, I pulled out clear umbrellas, which added such a romantic feel to their photos.
Olivia and Heath chose to self-officiate, which meant they were able to exchange vows privately and marry each other without anyone else required to be present. Self-officiating in DC allows couples to keep their ceremony truly personal, and I am always intentional about giving space during these moments. During ceremonies, I intentionally step back so I can’t hear your vows.
👉 You can learn more about self-officiating in Washington DC here!
Museum Hopping Without the Rush
After the ceremony, we spent time around the Smithsonian Castle grounds before heading to the National Gallery of Art. Museums are one of my favorite elopement locations in DC, especially on colder or rainy days. They allow you to slow down, warm up, and get creative without feeling rushed.
Because Olivia wore a black wedding dress, she received so many congratulations from people passing by. That happens a lot to my wedding couples in the city. People around are always so nice and say congrats! Olivia’s dress really turned heads!
We intentionally gave ourselves plenty of time at the museum. I always recommend at least an hour for museum photos so we can wait for spaces to clear and explore different rooms without pressure.
Pro Tip: Real flowers aren’t allowed inside, however, you can work around it by choosing faux flowers. Olivia’s silk flowers were a beautiful choice!
You can learn more about eloping at the National Gallery of Art here!
Enjoying a Pizza Break
By mid-day, we were all starving and we stopped at a pizza shop near the next museum. During the planning process, we knew we would need to stop for lunch so we purposefully scheduled time to do so. They also needed gluten-free options, so I made sure to find a pizza place that offered just that!
When planning an all-day elopement, it’s important to also plan for breaks to rest and for food, too!
After lunch, we walked over to the National Portrait Gallery, another museum they were excited to include. Spending time in multiple locations is really only possible when you give yourself eight or more hours, so you’re not rushing through the museums and everything else.
We wandered through galleries, spent time in the courtyard, and ended the day with a glass of wine from the museum cafe. It was the perfect, unhurried ending to this gothic elopement day!
What The Wedding Couple Says
“Juliana is an absolute powerhouse of talent, warmth, and magic. Hiring her to photograph our elopement in DC was hands-down one of the best decisions we made. From the moment we connected, she was more than a photographer—she became a guide, a planner, a hype woman, and a calm, grounding presence in the middle of a wildly emotional day.
She helped us plan locations, gave genuinely thoughtful and creative suggestions, and made sure everything flowed naturally. She just got us—what we wanted, how we wanted to feel, and how to make it all come to life. And then, when the day came, she made us feel like absolute royalty. Not in a stiff, staged way—but in a deeply personal, joyful, honest way that brought out the best in both of us.
And the photos? STUNNING. Every single image is filled with so much heart and intention. She caught all the little in-between moments we didn’t even realize were happening. Looking through our gallery felt like reliving the best day of our lives, moment by moment, but somehow even better.
Juliana is pure gold. She’s not just capturing photos—she’s capturing emotion, energy, connection, and memories you’ll cherish forever. We feel endlessly lucky to have had her as part of our day. If you’re even thinking about booking her, do it. Just do it. You will thank yourself a thousand times over.” – Olivia & Heath
Want to Book Your Gothic Elopement in DC?
If you are dreaming of a Washington DC elopement that feels different, whether that means a gothic elopement aesthetic and a black wedding dress, a self-officiated ceremony, museum hopping, or even getting tattoos as part of your day, I am here for it.
Every Elopement and Micro Wedding Package with Juliana Wall Photography Includes:
- 4 hours to two days of Photo Coverage with me, Juliana
- In-depth questionnaires, so I can truly get to know you and help create a day that feels right.
- Sneak peeks within 3 business days, so you have gorgeous photos to share ASAP.
- Personalized planning assistance – helping you with locations, permits, vendors, and timelines.
- A private online gallery – to easily download, share, and order prints of your photos.
- Photographer’s travel costs included
- A new adventure buddy!
Whether you’re local or flying in from across the country, you deserve a wedding day that feels like home. Let’s create something unforgettable together! Learn more about my packages here!
To inquire to work with me, fill out this form and schedule a FREE phone call.
